What is Listeria? Symptoms and causes of deadly bacteria linked to hospital ice cream deaths

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A Listeria outbreak has been linked to three deaths in NHS hospitals and care homes.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) are investigating five cases linked to the same strain of a listeria infection found in mousses served in hospital and care settings.

All five people suffered listeriosis between May and December last year, with the UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) working to identify the cause.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a bacteria which can cause the infection listeriosis, according to the NHS. It is rare and in most cases can go away on its own, however, some can become seriously ill with the infection.

Listeria can contaminate many foods, but most infections are caused by eating chilled, ready-to-eat foods, according to the NHS. This includes:

Unpasteurised milk and dairy products made from such milk
Cold, cooked cuts of sliced and cured meats
Smoked and cured fish, including sushi
Cheeses such as camembert and brie
Pre-prepared sandwiches and salads, such as those found in supermarkets

These foods do not all contain Listeria, but are at a higher risk due to how they are produced.

The FSA detected the bacteria last month during routine testing of chocolate and vanilla and strawberry and vanilla flavoured mousse (Cool Delight Desserts)

Symptoms of listeriosis

Listeriosis has no symptoms for most people, according to the NHS. In some cases, people may experience minor symptoms for a few days, such as:

A high temperature
Aches and pains
Chills
Feeling or being sick
Diarrhoea
Pregnant people may experience stomach aches or notice their baby moving less than usual
Babies with the infection may have a smaller appetite or become irritable

Most people can treat listeriosis at home by resting and drinking plenty of fluids, NHS guidance says. Some may need antibiotics if they are in one of the below higher-risk categories.

Who is most at risk?

Some people have a higher risk of serious problems, particularly those who have a condition that weakens their immune system, according to the NHS. This includes:

Anyone pregnant
Newborn babies
People with cancer, diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease
Those receiving treatment which weakens their immune system, such as chemotherapy or steroid tablets

The risk of contracting listeriosis also increases with age.